University of Colorado at Denver and Health Science Center

Programs

Incubator

The Bard Center offers incubator space for new businesses in order to help them launch and grow their entrepreneurial ventures. The incubator space is housed at the Bard Center, which is located in the historic Masonic Building on the 16th Street Mall. This prime commercial space—in the heart of the downtown Denver business community—is offered at reduced market rates to give startup businesses a unique opportunity to network with other incubator business owners, participate in Bard Center programs, and gain valuable counsel from experienced business leaders in the community.

The Bard Center creates the infrastructure and processes needed to help entrepreneurs create thriving new ventures. Advisory Council members—high-profile working entrepreneurs and leaders in the business community—share their expertise and industry contacts and help mentor the owners of incubator companies.

Admission Criteria*

*Preference given to University of Colorado (Faculty, Staff, Students, & Alumni) or Bard Center (e.g. Business Plan Winner) affiliates

 

Incubation Process

  • Matched to specific business mentor for optimal growth & success of company
  • Potential for meetings with mentors-in-residence for legal, accounting, PR & other support as needed
  • Quarterly updates on financial growth, progress and goals toward meeting milestones to Incubation & Mentorship Committee or Bard Center Advisory Council
  • Access to Rutt Bridges VC Fund or Angel Investors in our community

 

Office Amenities

Incubator Rates (per month)

Download PDF Information

The following businesses are currently in residence at the Bard Center incubator:

America and the World

www.americaandtheworld.com, owned by Nate Braden, produces online multimedia history textbooks for high school and college students.

Prime-Core Inc.

www.medical-salesreps.com, owned by Ken Dropiewski, provides human capital management services to companies and candidates. The company specializes in sales and executive-level positions with an emphasis on the medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, consumer, and IT industries.

 

Smarter Wireless

www.mysmarterwireless.com, Chris Franks is the founder and CEO of CJC Solutions, Wireless expenses are often a “black box” to businesses. Smarter Wireless is focused on helping you shed light on this cost center to help cut costs, optimize plans and support your business. 

Snoasis Medical Inc.

Owned by Robert Tofe, was created to commercialize a new class of soft tissue substitutes for use in mucogingival surgery. In this market, the primary indications for use are treating gingival recession and increasing root coverage around a tooth. These dental procedures are aimed at addressing esthetic concerns, hypersensitivity and root caries.

"The Bard Center incubator is more than just office space (which they provide at a very reasonable rent, by the way). It's what every incubator should be – a facilitator between entrepreneurs and the business community. The linchpin in that relationship is the Bard Center's Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). He takes the time to get to know your start-up company and is able to provide sound advice on everything from finance to marketing. The entrepreneurship seminar organized by the EIR have been invaluable educational tools for all of us in the incubator, and as a result of one I was able to get free legal advice on some copyright issues from the Entrepreneurship Law Center at CU-Boulder. Thanks to his efforts, the Bard Center also hired an intern to help me with the day-to-day operation of my business. These are just a few of the tangible benefits that start-up companies receive from the incubator. It's not all talk— they back it up with action as well."

—Nate Braden, America and the World, Incubator Tenant

 

"The energy and creativity associated with working in the incubator is contagious. I'm surrounded by so many others trying to take their business to the next level. The staff support and networking opportunities have been phenomenal…"

—Ken Dropiewski, Prime-Core, Bard Center Incubator Tenant

 

"Dave (entrepreneur in residence) has challenged me to step back and assess my current processes and make critical adjustments that will help my success. These are things I probably would have missed on my own. His insight and recommendations have been extremely valuable. We are lucky to have him here…"

—Ken Dropiewski, Prime-Core, Bard Center Incubator Tenant

“Working in the Bard Center has been the best part of starting my own company.  The support and camaraderie you receive from the staff, alumni, and fellow tenants has been amazing.  This is not just a place to work; it is place that helps you grow your business.”

 

—Chris Franks, Smarter Wireless, Bard Center Incubator Tenant